How To Choose A Finite Element Analysis System

The purpose of this booklet is to discuss the issues that arise in
the section of a finite element analysis program. It is assumed
that the decision to purchase software has already been made, and
that the reader understands basic finite element terminology. The
companion booklet ‘Why Do Finite Element Analysis?’
provides advice on both of these.

Finite Element Analysis is one part of the design process, and must
be integrated effectively into the process as a whole. The position
of the analysis software in the global scheme is illustrated in
figure 1.1. The design process may be extended to include feedback
from prototype testing and service performance. The requirement for
interfaces and for peripheral support devices will be discussed in
some detail in this booklet. The diagram shows that there are three
separate pieces of software within a typical finite element system.

These are:

The pre-processor – for creation of finite element model

The solver – for assembly and solution of the finite element
equations

The post-processor –for presentation of results

A detailed review of the attributes, performance and selection of
pre and post processor software is presented in this booklet
‘How to Choose a Finite Element Pre and
Post-Processor’. The current booklet is concerned with the
section of an analysis system, of which the pre and post-processors
are an important part, and so there is much relevant information in
the above publication. To avoid excessive repetition of material,
the emphasis in this booklet is on the general issues associated
with the analysis and on the solver itself. In the past it has been
common to purchase the pre/post processor from one vendor and the
solver from another. Although this option still exists, it is
likely that the novice user will choose to purchase integrated
analysis software from one vendor. For the newcomer to finite
element analysis technology, the advantages of integrated software
usually outweigh the primary disadvantage that every part of the
analysis suite is unlikely to offer the optimum performance
available in terms of ease of the use or breadth of functionality.
The experienced user might choose the enhanced capabilities that
can be obtained by the purchase of separate modules from separate
vendors with particular strengths in each.

It is assumed that this booklet will be of most value to the novice
who has had little previous exposure to finite element systems. The
selection process can readily br divided into four principal
stages.

Identify the requirements of the analysis system

Study the resources that might be committed to analysis

Write a product specification

Evaluate specific software

At the software evaluation stage it will be necessary to liaise
closely with potential vendors, and a well-defined specification,
perhaps support by benchmark problems typical of work likely to be
analysed, will be invaluable in this process.